As an IT service provider, it’s your responsibility to help protect your health care customers from the threat of cybercriminals attempting to gain access to patients’ confidential information. But health care businesses also need their service providers to be aware of key regulations about how health care information is handled. To position yourself as an expert in health care IT, there are a few things you need to know.

Business associates, including IT service providers, also have to meet these standards. These entities act as subcontractors for the health care businesses, in this case safeguarding their information, which also makes them responsible for HIPAA compliance.

Stay informed

The regulations for HIPAA compliance are evolving, so MSPs need to stay informed about any changes made to the law that regulates IT security for health care providers. For example, the addition of the HIPAA Omnibus Rule in 2013 expanded the definition of Business Associates to include administrators, attorneys, consultants, and IT service providers working for the health care providers. Since then, some risk assessments suggest that Business Associates are posed with an even greater threat from attack because they hold large amounts of the data that hackers want.

The penalty for not being HIPAA compliant is severe, so it’s important to understand your responsibilities. Those found guilty of violating the law can be fined anywhere from $50,000 to $250,000. It’s clear that the consequences of leaving health care businesses vulnerable to cyber attack are detrimental not only to those businesses but also their IT services provider. If you’re just entering the health care vertical, make sure your services include appropriate encryption and meet other standards needed to be compliant.

The best way to prevent phishing in your customers’ businesses is to educate the users on their network and show them the warning signs of an attack. Microsoft provides a helpful example of a phishing email that highlights spelling errors, suspicious links, direct threats, and the signature of a popular company as warning signs. Make sure to stay up to date on emerging types of malware so you can keep your customers informed.

You can help save a small business by educating your health care customers on preventative cybersecurity measures. Teach your clients how to protect themselves and how to recognize a threat. Also, deploy solutions that are in accordance with HIPAA regulations. Sharing what you know about IT security will only help. Start the conversation before your client’s business is the headline in tomorrow’s cyber attack.